Forest of Dean Council received a single complaint about the pole requiring planning permission.

Maypole Green in the village of Bream

The complainant said it was a necessity for it to stand in front of a Grade II listed building - and could be deemed an eyesore.

Villagers kept it up until May Day and held a ''dance of defiance'' in protest around the 50ft high structure.

The current maypole in the village is due to be removed

Mr Parker wore a traditional ‘Green Man’ coat printed with medieval writing and bells during the event on May 1.

'“I understand it’s their job to investigate," said the resident who runs a steam engineer repair shop.

''But it’s sad that one complaint can put at risk such a long-standing tradition which is so much fun.

“This is the traditional maypole area in the old part of the village.

''The maypole was sited just yards away at the junction, and Maypole Cottage is just over the road, and the Maypole estate over there.

“I’m hoping I can then get everyone on-side and put it up again."

Maypole Green in the village of Bream, Gloucestershire

Mr Parker hopes the pole, carved from a Douglas fir tree and painted by the Bream Gardening Society, will be given planning permission.

“You can see how wonderful, spontaneous and genuine this event is, with the Forest of Dean Morris men dancing," he added.

Maypole Cottage in the village of Bream, Gloucestershire

A Forest of Dean Council spokesperson said: "We received a complaint about the Bream pole which we investigated. The pole requires planning permission, the rules as such are set nationally and not by the District Council. The owner of the land has been informed of this.

"No planning application has been received.

"It was then for the council to determine whether it is appropriate to take enforcement action against this breach of planning control. In this matter it is not considered that it would be in the public interest to do so and as such the enforcement file on this case has been closed."

There used to be as many as 18 maypoles in the Forest.

Local resident Stuart Cox said: “We’re supporting the event as there aren’t many maypoles left and this one should be allowed to remain. It’s great fun, it’s colourful and keeps the old traditions going.

“I don’t see how anyone can complain about it. Hopefully it can get retrospective planning permission.”

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Margaret Kidby, of Bream Gardening Society, added: “It would be a real shame if it had to go after so many people have worked so hard to put it up again.

"It’s attractive and dancing around the maypole on May Day is a wonderful tradition, which is worth keeping.”

The Bream Gardening Society secretary, who lives four miles away in Coleford, Forest of Dean, added: "The world changes. Younger people don't have time or interest - it seems to be us oldies that want to keep it going."